198(?) Toyota Van 4x4 ($800) Nelson, BC

[GLet71]

I was out for a walk with my son today, and came across this beauty manual trans, 4wd. Call me a sucker, but I hope to own one someday. I would like to go and talk to the owner, but was hoping one or more of you might chime in on what to ask or look out for. Are parts available, and if so, how much are they? Are they as reliable as our beloved Tercs? Is there anything I should walk away from if there is an issue with it? Any advice would be appreciated. The body looks in okay shape, but I couldn't do too much with a newborn attached to my chest.

[dlb]

a mechanic i know who has worked on these quite a bit says they wear through tires like crazy regardless of alignment or camber. they also get lousy mileage, low 20's at best. i think they're sweet because they're 80's toyota, 4wd, and ugly, but they aren't something i want to own.

[Petros]

pretty reliable but a PIA to work on. YOu have to remove seats, center console and 47 screws to remove engine hatch to do most maintenance (even simple things like change a belt or hose). Small hatch to check oil level and a few other service areas, but everything else means major job just to get to the engine.

Great little van, but ride is odd since you sit right over front wheels.

[wikkedGTS]

I used to own one of these back in the 90's. Awesome van and honestly I didn't even notice mileage since we were paying around 50 cents per litre so no attention was paid. Not too bad to work on if you had patience but my wife hated it because she said the big steering wheel and no nose on the van made her feel like a truck diver.....lol.
I bought it for 900 drove it for a few years while I had my DJ gigs and then my friend bought it off of me and drove it from Canada to Guatemala. As far as I know his brother still has it down there.
No regrets when owning it. But then again it was a TOYOTA!

[emmahumpfritter]

I know a thing or two about them.

I owned and built up an 87 4wd 5pd for about 10 years (only sold it a year ago) It's hard to say whether they're "good" or "bad". It's true that they're much harder to work on than say the T4wd. They are EFI (which is the one biggy missing from the wagons IMHO) Mine was a super camper of sorts. Coming from a decade of VW bus self-punishment, the Toyota seemed like a cake walk. It's also true the motor is buried deep in the bowels of the beast. The good part is you rarely have to work on them.

A couple of issues to watch for and be aware of: The cooling systems need to be at 100% or you will regret it eventually. It's speculated that the 4wd version was an after-thought, which the front axle cut into the already crammed radiator space. There's also a "hose of death" in the back of the motor (for the rear heater) which rots out (after 20+years)--nothing short of cutting your own access hole will reach it. Van drivers become preoccupied with the temp gauge. I actually added a second radiator to mine (placed down where the A/C unit use to ride) and experimented with electric fans.

They also have marginal braking systems. A sort of deadly embrace develops between the front calipers and the bearings. If the caliper over-heats, it drags, which cooks the bearings which kicks the camber off which kills the calipers. There's NOTHING more maddening than being 500 miles from home and having your front brakes start dragging (ask me about that story)

I loved my van (the original Humpfritter) I wish I hadn't sold it. A great camping machine. Very unique. People LOVED it. I couldn't go anywhere without getting questions or offers to buy it. A guy from Colorado flew out to Minnesota to buy mine.

Suzuki Samuari wheels fit (15 inch) I grafted a power moon roof in mine. Built a swing out spare holder. It was fully insulated which vented heat. I could get 22 MPG when trying. 20 is normal.

The 4YE is the same motor that Toyota puts in their fork lifts.

I can go on and on if you're serious. Feel free to PM or just ask via this thread.

I hope this helps.

Brenton

[GLet71]

That is totally the advice I have been looking for, thanks Brenton! I am still up in the air about whether I want to work on my old '74 Econoline campervan or go for another Yota. Now that I have an ally, I will call the seller for sure to see what's up with the van.

[Petros]

I want to add that I think they are great little vans, nothing like them is available since (all the newer vans are much larger and heavier). Based on the number I still see driving around I would say they are very durable. I worked on one in trade for a Tercel4wd, and that engine is I think the only thing it came in the USA, so parts may become a problem eventually (but we had no problem getting the parts we need to replace timing chain, sprockets, seals, water pump, etc). IT is a push rod engine that has a low profile, likely the reason they used it in the van. If cared for it will run forever.

I think the trick to servicing it is to do it all at once, replace hoses, belts, spark plugs, wires, etc. at regular intervals when you take the engine hatch off. Oil and filter changes are no problem from the smaller access hatches.

They are kind of retro funky, one reason i like them. Remarkable amount of room despite its size (like the T4wd). If it is in good running condition that price is a great deal.

[4doorVIP]

I really like these vans as well. Any ideas what the towing capacity on these things is?
Eventually I'd like to get a tent trailor or a small camper and as much as I love the Tercel it won't be able to up steep hills etc

[emmahumpfritter]

Here's my beloved Humpfritter (doesn't the name just fit?) hibernating in the back yard of my now burned down cabin in Northern Minnesota (the reason I went on a massive sell off of 15 years of quality collecting) I very much regret selling this van. It was one of a kind, a sort of ultimate survival vehicle. I literally learned every auto mechanic skill I have (modest but more than the average modern) via this van. There was very little other than a decent paint job left to do to it. I keep finding pictures of it out on various forums, some taken by me and others taken and posted later in "look at this!!" threads

If you can grab that 4wd for under a grand (and it doesn't have a blown head gasket...important to find out) I say buy it!

BDN

[emmahumpfritter]

I just found this rarity from the day I bought her in Seattle. $1200 bucks in 2002, being used as storage for a sailboat dweller. I cut a quart panel out of a 2wd (i.e donor vehicle) and patched up the carnage first thing. She bares the scar to this day.

Also, keep forgetting to mention: look at www.toyotavanpeople.com

The site isn't what it use to be IMHO. Part of the reason is these vans are just so darn rare now that the user base is'nt there (I hope that never happens to us) but still loads of good devotes and a data base of knowledge regarding these vans. It was the first forum I ever signed up for and even used my real name!! Seemed like a good idea at the time....ah, how we lose our innocence

BDN

[GLet71]

Man, I love olive drab! Even if I decide against this van, I'll post whatever info I can get on it. Then maybe someone else can scoop it up; it did seem in decent shape.

[GLet71]

427000 km, and a complete mess inside. The phone number no longer exists, but the current resident took my number and will pass it along. See if I ever hear from the owner who has apparently moved east.

[GLet71]

I amazed at how many views this post has gotten. Should I include VanWagon 4x4's to my search?

[ARCHINSTL]

Frankly, I would. And I'd also list the 2WD version of the first VanWagon - I'd sure be tempted on one if in my neck of the woods.
Tom M.

[GLet71]

I was awaken out of a deep sleep with a phone call from the woman who is trying to sell this van. She said it has not been started since last summer, but ran well when it was. I told her I was no longer interested, but asked if I could pass her # along to a few friends who might be. Well friends, here you are: Martine - 819.218.0617 (Quebec #).

Now that I've had a few sips of coffee, I'm beginning to think it may be something worth looking into, if only to turn around and sell it for a small profit; diapers don't come cheap, don't you know!